The Sony Xperia Z should make a few waves in the smartphone world when it lands in Australia in March.

Technically, it’s pretty impressive. Its operating system is Google Android 4.1 (aka Jelly Bean – and apparently you might be able to upgrade to Android 4.2 soon after the phone’s release), and the processor is the Snapdragon S4 Pro quad-core.

The screen is a 5” Full HD 1080p ‘Reality Display, and the camera is 13 megapixel. The front and back of the 7.9 mm thick Xperia Z is made from tempered glass, made tougher with an anti-shatter film, with a frame made from a metal substitute used in car manufacturing.

Part of the software lineup is Battery Stamina Mode, that shuts down apps when the screen is off, that pick right up where they left off when the screen is on. Entertainment software is covered by the pre-installed Walkman app, for your music and movie pleasure. It will play your already-collected songs and films, and provide access to Sony’s Music Unlimited and Video Unlimited offerings.

For good measure, the Xperia Z has earned IP55 & IP57 ratings, and will survive intact after being submerged for 30 minutes. It’s also handy in battles against jets of water, and dust.

Of course, there’s been no pricing information released yet, but expect it to be right around your regular smartphone price.

Want to see the Xperia Z in action? Here’s a Sony-produced video with a somewhat cheesy, deeply American voiceover:

Scott Fitzgerald started TechStyles in 2010, after 5 years of running the GadgetGuy website, so gadgets and tech have been a big part of his life for quite a while now. Prior to that he edited the Macquarie Dictionary, Travelmate.com.au and NeeditNow.com. Find Scott on Google+